Coal

Energy Resources - Coal

In 2011, Colorado was ranked 9th in U.S. coal production. There are currently three surface mines and eight underground mines located in Colorado near Trinidad, Steamboat Springs, Craig, Rangely, Paonia, Nucla, and Durango. These mines collectively produce about 27 million tons of coal annually. Colorado coal is mostly bituminous and sub-bituminous, and characterized as a high heat content, low sulfur, low to medium ash, and low mercury coal. To view our 2005 RockTalk Newsletter on Colorado Coal, click here. To view our Annual Report on activities in the coal industry, click here.

Coal provides the fuel to generate about 68 percent of Colorado’s electricity. It currently provides the ‘base-load’ fuel source for most of today’s electrical needs.

At current growth and consumption rates Colorado’s mineable coal could supply it's economy for over 259 years. However, growing world demand for energy over the next 25 years is predicted to increase fossil fuel consumption by 60 percent, so Colorado coal may be in higher demand to other states and foreign exports. Currently, Colorado mines ship coal to 24 other states and to Mexico and Europe.

Pictured right: Underground coal mined near Paonia is stored at the surface before being loaded onto trains.

Coal mined near Paonia is stored at the surface before being loaded on trains to be taken to markets in 27 other states.

Last Updated: 3/18/2012 8:55 PM